Report Issues
How To Report
Your local government can help respond to common issues in your community. Some issues can be resolved promptly, while others help inform agencies for future actions.
Don’t see your issue? Contact us at [email protected].
Quick Links
Top Issues
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Report on San José 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Lived-In Vehicle and view the automated reply for details and follow-up.
EXPECTATIONS:
Enforcement on lived-in vehicles uses a proactive patrol-based model, not on-demand. A dedicated team regularly patrols to enforce parking violations by oversized lived-in vehicles, such as RVs.
They generally reach any given area in the city every 4-6 weeks, so if you do not see any movement after that time, please let us know.
We recommend reporting on 311, even if enforcement is not “on-demand,” because it provides invaluable data to inform prioritization and future policy decisions. FYI: It will say your case is "Closed" even if the vehicle is still there.
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Call SJPD non-emergency: (408) 277-8900
Provide a description with the times and days of the week.
Forward to us and we can consider this location for traffic mitigation improvements.
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Street vendors must comply with vending permit requirements, handled by the City of San José, and health permit requirements, handled by the County of Santa Clara.
To report for health violations, follow instructions at Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health and contact:
(408) 918-3400, [email protected]
What Happens Next: Investigation and enforcement if found non-compliant.
To report for permit violations on public property (streets and sidewalks), send us photos, exact location, and times of vending:
(408) 535-4910, [email protected]
What Happens Next: We share details with SJPD’s Crime Prevention Unit, who conducts engagement to help the vendor comply and get permitted. After repeated refusals and violations, response escalates and can result in fines or shutting down the vendor.
For vendors on private property, report on Code Enforcement Service Request Form
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Report on San Jose 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Issue with how/where a vehicle is parked and view the automated reply for details and follow-up.
EXPECTATIONS:
Illegal parking enforcement uses a proactive patrol-based model, not on-demand. A dedicated team regularly patrols to enforce parking violations. This does not include enforcement of >72 hour parking.
They generally reach any given area in the city every 14 days, so if you do not see any movement after that time, please let us know.
We recommend reporting on 311, even if enforcement is not “on-demand,” because it provides invaluable data to inform prioritization and future policy decisions. FYI: It will say your case is "Closed" even if the vehicle is still there.
MORE DETAILS:
>6 month expired registration is not a reportable option. Dedicated Expired Registration enforcement officers patrol every 3-4 months.
For vehicles parked over 72 hours, patrols will only enforce if there are visible signs of abandonment (rust, debris, etc.). In that case, it may be eligible to be reported for “poor condition” abatement instead.
For Illegally Parked Lived-in Vehicles:
Learn more about oversized lived-in vehicle enforcement in our OLIVE Program and view our drop-down menu for “Lived-in vehicles” for enforcement expectations.
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City of San José Department of Transportation — (408) 794-1900; (408) 794-1907
Local FAQs
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August 18 City Council Action:
In June 2026, investors filed a permit request to update the zoning on this site to match its land use designation in the City’s General Plan. This rezoning was approved by City Council on August 18, Land Use Consent Calendar item 10.1(a).
The 35 acres of existing research facility were zoned Industrial Park. The 565 acres of open space were zoned for Open Space.
Councilmember Casey voted in favor because he views it as a legally-mandated “conforming rezoning,” aligning with City staff’s recommendation and guidance.
Context:
Every parcel of land in San José has a General Plan designation (GP) and a zoning designation. The GP is the City’s official intended land use for a site (the blueprint), whereas the zoning is the actual allowed land use (the reality). Only projects that are legally allowed under the zoning can be built.
If GP and zoning aren't consistent, GP prevails, and state law requires the City to change the parcel's zoning to "conform" (match) the GP. The City can do this "conforming rezoning" proactively, or if property owners formally request it.
Next Steps:
There is no specific project proposed yet as of October 6; view permit filings here: https://permits.sanjoseca.gov/search/permit?folderRSN=2189559).
News reports indicate that the prospective property developer is a data center company. This use is allowed under the 35 acre site's zoning, and would be subject to all relevant regulations and permit requirements, including a Special Use Permit and Environmental Review. New data center standards are also expected to be adopted by the City in December 2026.
The 565 acres of open space is zoned Open Space. Non-allowed uses would be denied permits. Changing the allowed use would require a General Plan amendment to be considered by City Council, which Councilmember Casey would oppose.
Councilmember Casey wants to ensure that the open space is protected, and that any data center or other use is fully assessed by environmental reviews and regulations.
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As of October 2026, construction is expected to begin January 2027 and be completed by the end of October 2027.
For any further questions, contact Congressmember Jimmy Panetta’s office at https://panetta.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact.
To find nearby locations and drop boxes, visit https://tools.usps.com/locations/.
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In June and August 2026, City Council directed staff to develop new consistent standards for data centers and similar large energy projects. These would build upon other state and local regulations to mitigate impacts on health, environment, and quality of life.
Further reading:
Blight and Code Violations
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Report on Code Enforcement Service Request Form
For businesses selling illegal substances:
This is a violation of their Tobacco Retail License, which is regulated by the City’s Code Enforcement Division.
Examples: Sales of flavored tobacco, e-cigarettes, other prohibited products or sales to minors.
Send photos, times of sale, and name and address of business:
(408) 535-7770, [email protected]
What Happens Next: Staff will schedule an investigation and issue citations if applicable. However, staff prioritize proactive business inspections instead of report-based violations, so expected response times may be long. Learn more at Tobacco Retail License Program.
For selling criminally illegal products such as hard drugs, or selling alcohol to minors, contact SJPD at (408) 277-8900
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In-progress: San José Police Department — (408) 277-8900
In streets, sidewalks, or City parks: San Jose 311 — Illegal Dumping; (408) 535-3500
In expressways, airports, or County land (includes graffiti issues): County Roads and Airports Department; (408) 494-2750
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On bus or bus or light rail stops or sign: Report to VTA
On City property: San Jose 311 — Graffiti
On USPS mailboxes: Report to USPS
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City of San José — Parks Concerns Report Form; [email protected]; (408) 793-5510
Examples: Weeds, equipment/repairs, trees, graffiti, vandalism, drinking, unpermitted parties
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Report on Code Enforcement Service Request Form
For issues not listed on the form, select the “Other” option at the bottom and provide a description. You can also contact (408) 535-7770, [email protected]
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Report on Code Enforcement Service Request Form
For tree obstructions or public safety hazards, use the “Other” option at the bottom of the form.
Issues you can report:
Unauthorized tree removal, tree pruning or topping
Tree obstructions or public safety hazards
Failure to comply with tree-related permit requirements
Issues you can NOT report (civil matters between property owners):
Tree branches or roots crossing property lines
Leaves, sap or fruit falling onto neighboring property
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Street vendors must comply with vending permit requirements, handled by the City of San José, and health permit requirements, handled by the County of Santa Clara.
To report for health violations, follow instructions at Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health and contact:
(408) 918-3400, [email protected]
What Happens Next: Investigation and enforcement if found non-compliant.
To report for permit violations on public property (streets and sidewalks), send us photos, exact location, and times of vending:
(408) 535-4910, [email protected]
What Happens Next: We share details with SJPD’s Crime Prevention Unit, who conducts engagement to help the vendor comply and get permitted. After repeated refusals and violations, response escalates and can result in fines or shutting down the vendor.
For vendors on private property, report on Code Enforcement Service Request Form
Crimes and Fire
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Call the San José Police Department at (408) 277-8900
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San José Police Department — 911; (408) 277-8911
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Report to your water provider
San José Fire Department — (408) 277-8956
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San José Police Department — Report Crimes / Incidents Online
Encampments
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Union Pacific Railroad (888-877-7267) or Caltrain (800-660-4287)
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Report on San José 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Lived-In Vehicle and view the automated reply for details and follow-up.
EXPECTATIONS:
Enforcement on lived-in vehicles uses a proactive patrol-based model, not on-demand. A dedicated team regularly patrols to enforce parking violations by oversized lived-in vehicles, such as RVs.
They generally reach any given area in the city every 4-6 weeks, so if you do not see any movement after that time, please let us know.
We recommend reporting on 311, even if enforcement is not “on-demand,” because it provides invaluable data to inform prioritization and future policy decisions. FYI: It will say your case is "Closed" even if the vehicle is still there.
Parking and Transportation
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Union Pacific Railroad (888-877-7267) or Caltrain (800-660-4287)
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Call SJPD non-emergency: (408) 277-8900
Provide a description with the times and days of the week.
Forward to us and we can consider this location for traffic mitigation improvements.
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Report on San Jose 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Issue with how/where a vehicle is parked and view the automated reply for details and follow-up. You may also contact the San José Police Department, Non-emergency Number — (408) 277-8900.
EXPECTATIONS:
Enforcement on vehicles blocking the public right-of-way uses both a proactive patrol-based model, and a reactive on-demand. A dedicated team regularly patrols the city and generally reaches any given area in the city every 14 days, so if you do not see any movement after that time (or 14 days after your report), please let us know.
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Report on San Jose 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Poor condition and view the automated reply for details and follow-up.
EXPECTATIONS:
Enforcement on vehicles in poor condition uses both a reactive on-demand and a proactive patrol-based model.
For proactive patrol, a dedicated team regularly drives around to identify and enforce. They generally reach any given area in the city every 14 days, so if you do not see any movement after that time (or 14 days after your 311 report), please let us know.
Unattached trailer reports will only be used for data purposes.
Learn more about what qualifies for abatement at Vehicle Abatement.
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Report on San Jose 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Issue with how/where a vehicle is parked and view the automated reply for details and follow-up.
EXPECTATIONS:
Illegal parking enforcement uses a proactive patrol-based model, not on-demand. A dedicated team regularly patrols to enforce and generally reaches any given area every 14 days. If you do not see movement after this time, let us know and w will follow up.
Note that this does not include enforcement of >72 hour parking.
We recommend reporting on 311, even if enforcement is not “on-demand,” because it provides invaluable data to inform prioritization and future policy decisions. FYI: It will say your case is "Closed" even if the vehicle is still there.
MORE DETAILS:
For >6 month expired registration, there is no reporting option. Instead, a dedicated enforcement team patrols every 3-4 months. If you see no citation by then, we can follow up.
For vehicles parked over 72 hours, patrols will not enforce if this is the only violation.
FOR LIVED-IN VEHICLES:
Learn more about oversized lived-in vehicle enforcement in our OLIVE Program and view our drop-down menu for “Lived-in vehicles” for enforcement expectations.
Roads and Sidewalks
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Santa Clara County Department of Roads and Airports
(408) 573-2400
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City of San José Environmental Services Department — Integrated Waste Management Division:
(408) 975-2550
Provide as much specific information as possible, such as photos, dates, addresses, intersections.
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City of San José Department of Transportation — Call (408) 794-1900 or email [email protected] for:
Glass, debris, or trash
Downed bollards
Bike lane paint/stripes unclear or faded
Flooding or sewage back-up into bike lane
Streetlight down in bike lane or sidewalk
Pothole or other pavement issue in bike lane
Bike or pedestrian trail issue:
City of San José — Parks Concerns Report Form; [email protected]; (408) 793-5510
Vehicle parked in bike lane or sidewalk:
San José 311 — Vehicle Concerns > Issue with or where a vehicle is parked > Blocking sidewalk, access ramp, crosswalk, bus lane, traffic
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Caltrans — Customer Service Request
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City of San José Department of Transportation:
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City of San José Department of Transportation
(408) 794-1901
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San Jose 311 — Other Issues
City of San José Department of Transportation:
(408) 794-1901
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City San José Department of Transportation — Trees and Sidewalks Team:
(408) 794-1901
Alternate contact: [email protected]
For general tree questions or concerns, visit https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/forestry
For tree issues in parks:
Parks Concerns Report Form; [email protected]; (408) 793-5510
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City of San José Department of Transportation — (408) 794-1900; (408) 794-1907
Street Lights and Signals
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City of San José Department of Transportation — Maintenance Request Form
Stripings: [email protected]; [email protected]
New signage: (408) 535-3850; [email protected]
Missing or damaged signage: (408) 794-1900
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San Jose 311 - Streetlight Outage; (408) 794-1903
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San José Department of Transportation — Signals Team; (408) 794-1900
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San José Department of Transportation — Signals Team; [email protected]; (408) 975-3700
Utilities
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Valley Water — Find Your Retailer Map
San Jose Water Company: (408) 279-7900
San José Municipal Water System: (408) 535-3500
Great Oaks Water Company: (408) 227-9540
Find Your Water District Representative
Learn about the Valley Water Board of Directors
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City of San José — Utility Services Lookup
Yard trimmings and street sweeping — GreenWaste Recovery: (408) 283-4800
Recycling and junk pick-up — California Waste Solutions: (408) 213-7800
Garbage collection — Garden City Sanitation: (408) 988-4500
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